WORK has begun on a new #2 million purpose built adult education centre in Abergele.

WORK has begun on a new #2 million purpose built adult education centre.

Building is currently underway at Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan's main site in Abergele to construct a modern community college which will run courses for over-16s.

The brainchild of both Emrys ap Iwan and Coleg Llandrillo, who are working in partnership on the project, the college should be up and running by January 2002 with phase two to be completed by September the same year.

Part-funded using #1 million Objective One cash, the facilities will include classrooms, state-of-the-art computer suites and an open plan area for study and relaxation.

Although Emrys ap Iwan already has an area of its school building set aside for adult learning, the new facilities will provide more space and adult-only resources, like computers.

Sheila Jones, programme area manager for family and community learning at Coleg Llandrillo, has been closely involved with the scheme from the start.

She explained the two institutions have been working together to provide classes for adults in the Abergele area since last year and courses have been held at both the school and community centres in Towyn and Kinmel Bay.

"The courses we will run at the new college will depend on what people want or need," she said.

"There will be IT-based courses and women into business, for women returning to work, has also been popular. People also want language courses and classroom assistant courses."

There will be no charge for many courses which will run during school hours. In addition, there may also be some evening and Saturday lessons.

"The more facilities we have, the more we can offer," said Mrs Jones.

"We are hoping to host open day events to get more people involved and produce a prospectus."

Alun Pugh, Assembly Member for Clwyd West, believes such projects will help boost the area's economy.

"Many people have unfairly criticised Objective One," he said.

"However, there is evidence of Objective One funded projects opening all over Conwy and Denbighshire. It is changing North Wales' economy for the better."